Literature & Spoken Word Lead: Shape Public Culture

Literature & Spoken Word Lead: Shape Public Culture

Full-Time 39600 - 48400 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Curate 150+ events and shape a vibrant literary programme at Southbank Centre.
  • Company: Join the iconic Southbank Centre, a hub for arts and culture in London.
  • Benefits: Be part of a creative team with opportunities for professional growth and networking.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with a chance to influence national conversations around literature.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on public culture and support writers' careers.
  • Qualifications: Experience in literature, event curation, and strong communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 39600 - 48400 £ per year.

Southbank Centre in London seeks a dynamic Head of Literature and Spoken Word to shape a year‑round artistic programme that elevates words and public engagement.

You will curate 150+ events annually, including the London Literature Festival, and establish high-impact partnerships with writers, publishers and literary networks.

You will drive strategy to redress reading decline, support writers’ careers, and place Southbank Centre at the heart of national conversations.

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Literature & Spoken Word Lead: Shape Public Culture employer: Southbank Centre

Southbank Centre is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that thrives on creativity and collaboration. As the UK's largest arts centre, it provides unique opportunities for professional growth within a dynamic environment, where your contributions directly enhance the safety and experience of millions of visitors each year. With a competitive benefits package and a commitment to public engagement, working here means being part of a transformative journey in one of Europe's leading cultural destinations.

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Contact Details:

Southbank Centre Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Literature & Spoken Word Lead: Shape Public Culture

Dive Into the Publishing Community

Get involved with local or online publishing communities. Join forums, attend literary festivals, or participate in panel discussions. This can be a goldmine for meeting industry professionals and hearing about opportunities that aren't advertised yet.

Stay Updated with Industry Trends

Follow leading publishing media channels on social media, like Twitter and Instagram. See what tactics and content formats are currently trending. This knowledge can help you tailor your discussions when you're networking or at interviews with companies like Southbank Centre.

Make Your Passion Visible

If you have a blog or a social media presence focused on books or publishing, use it! Share your thoughts on recent publications, trends in the industry, or interviews with authors. This can showcase your passion and knowledge, making you stand out as a candidate.

Hunt for Opportunities on Company Websites

While job boards are useful, don’t forget to go directly to company websites, like Southbank Centre. They often post openings there first. Plus, you might find job descriptions that give insight into what skills they really value, which can help you ace that interview.

We think you need these skills to ace Literature & Spoken Word Lead: Shape Public Culture

Event Curation
Strategic Planning
Partnership Development
Public Engagement
Literary Knowledge
Project Management
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Writing Style:In the publishing-media world, your writing style is your signature. Make sure your CV highlights relevant writing experiences, whether that's published articles, blog posts, or even social media content. Give us a glimpse of your voice and flair for storytelling right from the start!

Include Relevant Projects:Don’t just list your roles; include specific projects you've worked on that demonstrate your skills in editing, research, or content creation. If you've contributed to a magazine or worked on a publication, make that front and centre! It shows you've got hands-on experience in the industry, which we absolutely love.

Tailor Your Cover Letter:Let’s be honest: a generic cover letter is a missed opportunity. Take the time to craft a letter that speaks to why you’re passionate about this role at Southbank Centre. Mention what excites you about the publishing-media industry and how your skills align with the job description. We want to see that enthusiasm!

Format Matters!:In the publishing-media sector, presentation is key. Ensure your CV and cover letter are well-organised and visually appealing. Use headings, bullet points, and a clean layout. This isn't just about aesthetics — it shows your attention to detail and professionalism, which we really appreciate at Southbank Centre.

How to prepare for a job interview at Southbank Centre

Know Your Stuff: Be Ready on Industry Trends

Get yourself clued up on the latest trends in the publishing-media world. Think about how digital transformation is impacting the industry, and be ready to chat about relevant examples. This shows you're not just passionate but also informed!

Showcase Your Creativity with a Portfolio

Bring along a portfolio that showcases your writing, editing, or design work. Since it’s a full-time role, they’ll want to see how your style fits their brand at Southbank Centre. Tailor your presentation to their projects for maximum impact.

Brush Up on Editing Techniques

Expect some technical questions about editing styles, proofing techniques, and style guides. They might ask you to solve a practical problem or provide feedback on a piece—know the tools and software commonly used in the industry, and be prepared to discuss them!

Express Your Passion for Storytelling

In the publishing-media field, storytelling is key. Be ready to discuss what stories inspire you and why you want to join the team at Southbank Centre. Let your enthusiasm shine through; they want to know you're genuinely interested in contributing to their narratives!